…Patient isolated as authorities intensify surveillance and urge Nigerians to remain vigilant.
TUE OCT 20 2026-theGBJournal| Nigeria has confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), prompting the Federal Government to activate a public health response, begin contact tracing and intensify surveillance to prevent further transmission.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the case was laboratory-confirmed on Monday, October 20, following the admission of a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
The patient was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, according to a government statement.
The Federal Government said the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) were working with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection.
Contact tracing has commenced, with 44 close contacts identified so far. Public health teams are identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.
Surveillance has also been intensified, while the hospital where the patient received treatment is being given immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
The government has urged public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on high alert, with healthcare workers instructed to identify and isolate suspected cases promptly, observe strict infection prevention protocols and report suspected infections immediately to public health authorities.
In a separate public health message, the Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain calm, rely on verified information and follow official guidance as authorities respond to the confirmed case.
“Public health is a shared responsibility, and the right information helps us all stay safe,” the government said.
It stressed that the immediate priority was to strengthen surveillance, identify people who may have been exposed and prevent further transmission.
“There is no need for panic. What matters is staying informed, practising good hand hygiene, knowing the symptoms and seeking guidance from public health authorities if you suspect exposure,” the government said.
The authorities also warned against rumours and stigmatisation, urging Nigerians to share only verified information from official health agencies.
How Ebola spreads and what Nigerians should watch for
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died, or through contact with contaminated materials.
According to the Federal Government, a person infected with Ebola cannot transmit the disease before symptoms begin.
Symptoms to watch for include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
The government advised Nigerians to practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should report the exposure to public health authorities immediately, even if they feel well.
People who develop symptoms after possible exposure should avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
The government also called on anyone contacted during the contact-tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to provide the necessary information and comply with public health advice.
Healthcare facilities placed on alert
The Federal Government has called on healthcare facilities across the country to maintain a high index of suspicion for Ebola and strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
The response includes intensified surveillance, monitoring of identified contacts and immediate support for the hospital involved in the case.
The government said protecting healthcare workers, patients and the wider public remained a priority as investigations continued.
It also urged medical personnel to isolate suspected cases promptly and report them to the appropriate authorities to reduce the risk of further spread.
Nigeria cites experience from 2014 outbreak
The Federal Government said Nigeria had successfully contained Ebola in 2014 and had the experience and public health systems needed to respond to the current case.
However, it stressed that preventing further transmission would require cooperation from the public, healthcare workers and people identified during contact tracing.
The government said investigations were ongoing and pledged to provide accurate and timely information as the response progressed.
“The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public,” the statement said.
It added that early detection, prompt reporting and public cooperation would be critical to containing the infection.
The government, through the Presidential Taskforce on Epidemic Viral Diseases (EVD) and the NCDC, said it would continue to provide updates.
NCDC opens 24-hour reporting line
The NCDC has made its toll-free call centre available around the clock for information and reports of suspected Ebola cases.
Members of the public can call 6232, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for guidance or to report a suspected case.
The government urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid spreading unverified information and cooperate with public health teams as efforts to contain the infection continue.
The confirmation of the case places the focus on the effectiveness of contact tracing, surveillance and infection-control measures in preventing further transmission beyond the patient currently in isolation.
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